FLAMES

A tale of loss, resilience and courage. A little poem that represents children who face the cruel fires of war, yet carry the light of hope in their hearts.

A rocking chair, a harp in hand, I recall the tale.

As the melody goes, long ago in time, where skies were fair and bright,

There I was, tending the fields.

A can in hand, scuttering through the lands,

To fetch the water I promised to bring.

"Beware of wolves and lying crows, whisper your chant till you return,

Hear me clear, my wanderlust."

I recall your warnings, mother of mine.

"Fiery, fiery deer, oh, how cold are your hooves,

The burning winter too harsh on your fur,

Got nowhere near to rest your head.

Fiery, fiery deer, oh, here comes the wolf,

Hurry, hurry, run to the lake,

There you'll meet your fate and you'll become one."

A can in hand, scuttering through the lands,

There I was, running back to meet my own,

But all that greeted me was haunting silence.

Mother, father, where have you gone?

Here's the water I promised to bring.

Only flames suffocated me,

As if the home I knew never existed.

Fire, oh fire, how cruel can you be,

No mercy is shown wherever you pass.

A rocking chair, a harp in hand, I recall the tale.

A war that destroyed a home, and so a nation.

A child with nowhere to rest for the night,

Now I walk fiercely through all lands.

I'll be on my guard, watching out for wolves and lying crows.

Ease your heart and rest well, mother of mine.

Now I've conquered the flames that took my own.

GAKUBA.M.LANDRA

Author's Note

Hope you enjoy this one.

Reviews

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

it has the quality of a Grimm-fairytale. themes of innocence and danger echoed through the verse. the first line had me hooked and the narrative was weaved in such a finely tuned way. the water in the bucket has great significance. it is not just water but also something holy. and the fires that ravage this once idyllic village evoke terror but also grief. the world often seems random and violence arbitrary. both haunting, but there is a sweetness to it, like the film Graveyard of the Fireflies. it's deep, moving and has a strong message.

[Landy]

Yes you're right that's what inspired me at first, Thank you for taking the time to read this poem😊